Key Points
Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) is a drug used to treat thyroid eye disease. It is administered by a healthcare provider as an intravenous (IV) infusion injected into a vein. Tepezza is administered to patients once every three weeks for a total of eight infusions. You may receive other medicines to help with any infusion reactions.
The Tepezza dose is 10 milligrams per kilograms (mg/kg) for the first dose followed by an IV infusion of 20 mg/kg given every three weeks for 7 additional doses. It comes in a 500 mg single-dose vial for reconstitution and dilution.
Do not administer Tepezza as an IV push or bolus. Tepezza should not be infused at the same time as other medicines.
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is a rare, serious and vision-threatening autoimmune disease that can cause proptosis (eye bulging), diplopia (double vision), blurred vision, pain, inflammation and facial disfigurement. TED often occurs in people living with hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease.
How long does it take to get the Tepezza infusion?
The first two Tepezza (teprotumumab) infusions will usually last around 90 minutes. If you tolerate these infusions well, the following infusions can be reduced to 60 minutes. If you are not tolerating the infusions, the time for administration should remain at 90 minutes.
Your total time at the clinic for your treatment will probably be longer. Ask your doctor how long your appointment may last.
What type of infusion reactions occur with Tepezza?
Tepezza can cause infusion reactions in about 4% (4 out of every 100) of patients. Infusion reactions may occur during any of the infusions or within 1.5 hours after an infusion. Infusion reactions are usually mild or moderate in intensity.
Your doctor may order a medicine, such as a corticosteroid or antihistamine, to help with these side effects. You may receive a medicine before your infusion to help prevent these reactions. Your infusion rate may be slowed too.
Signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions include:
- transient increases in blood pressure
- feeling hot
- fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- headache
- muscle pain.
Side effects with Tepezza (in more detail)
Bottom Line
- Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) is used to treat thyroid eye disease. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion injected into your vein.
- You will receive a total of 8 infusions given every 3 weeks, most likely given at a clinic. Your first infusion will be given more slowly and at a lower dose to be sure you tolerate the medicine well.
- You may receive other medicines to help with any infusion reactions.
This is not all the information you need to know about Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) for safe and effective use. Review the full Tepezza information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.